John A Simpson

John A. “Hippie” Simpson, 75, passed away peacefully at 3:39 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Stillwater Hospice in Ft. Wayne surrounded by his family who never left his side.

He was born on August 28, 1947 in Dayton, OH to Andrew Simpson and Helen (Lipscomb) Bryant.

Johnny served in the U.S. Army until his Honorable Discharge in 1968. He would later serve in the Air National Guard Reserves.

He married Carolyn Ullery and was blessed with two daughters.

He worked for Dana Corporation as an automotive machine operator for 30 years and retired at the age of 51. Johnny was a hard worker on second shift, and was always willing to work overtime to provide for his family.

Johnny was laid back and lived simply, could be a smart aleck, had no filter and was blunt, but had a huge heart and always wanted to help people. He was always the first one up and the last one to bed, giving him the joy of seeing many beautiful sunrises. Johnny taught his girls to always use proper grammar, to love and care for people, always have a giving heart, and always look out for your friends, family and neighbors.

He loved classic cars, classic rock and motorcycle rides. He would take long and short bike trips often to visit family and friends. Johnny went to many car shows and concerts. He loved being with kids and they always gravitated to him. Johnny was a born again Christian and attended WCC in Warsaw.

He was heavily involved in two biker clubs that conducted various charity rides and assisted in military funeral honors for Veterans. He served as the Sargent at Arms for the Iron Order in Ohio, and in the Indiana Patriot Guard Riders. Johnny also was a member of the Barn Bunch who assist and support fellow Veterans.

He is survived by his daughters, Melissa Marie Simpson of Warsaw and Joni Maranda (Mark “Hollywood”) Zook of Claypool; Tiffany Heather Lyon; Emily Alyse Wysong, his “granddaughter” he loved with all his heart; siblings: Peggy Hachmann, Timothy Bryant and Sally Burton; nieces and nephew, Andrea (Tobby) Blevins Tommy (Jamie) Simpson, Carolyn (Steffen) Wilkinson, Doug (Penny) Colvin, John (Lindsey) Colvin, Nikki (Darren) Soules, Earlene (Kevin) Gibbons, Warren (Shannon) White and Jimmy White.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Tommy and Ricky Simpson, Dennis Bryant; and sister, Sharon McClain.

In honor of Johhny “Hippie” all are welcome to wear purple, his favorite color, to celebrate his life and huge heart.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 from 10-12 p.m. at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw. Funeral services will follow at noon with Chaplain Juan Laredo officiating.

Burial with military honors will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Indiana Patriot Guard Riders at inpatriotguard.org.